Literature And Literary Works! Trivia Quiz

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  • 1/15 Questions

    Which journalist was known as "the brightest of Murrow's boys"?

    • David Brinkley
    • Eric Sevareid
    • Chet Huntley
    • Walter Cronkite
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About This Quiz

This trivia quiz is on Literature and Literary Works! There have been some great writers in history, and if you are a literature major, you must have come across some of their great works. The test below is perfect for helping you see just how knowledgeable you are when it comes to some of the works. Do give it a shot!

Literature And Literary Works! Trivia Quiz - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    What writer graduated Valley Forge Military Academy before working as a cruise ship entertainer?

    • H.P. Lovecraft

    • Clive Barker

    • J.D. Salinger

    • Robert B. Parker

    Correct Answer
    A. J.D. Salinger
    Explanation
    J.D. Salinger is the correct answer because he is the writer who graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy before working as a cruise ship entertainer. This information is not available for the other three writers mentioned.

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  • 3. 

    Who said "A jury consists of twelve persons chosen to decide who has the better lawyer"?

    • John Grisham

    • F. Lee Bailey

    • Clarence Darrow

    • Robert Frost

    Correct Answer
    A. Robert Frost
    Explanation
    Robert Frost is a renowned American poet, known for his insightful and often humorous observations about life and human nature. This quote reflects his wit and satirical perspective on the legal system, suggesting that the outcome of a trial may depend more on the lawyers' skills than on the actual evidence or truth. Frost's comment highlights the potential flaws and biases that can exist within a jury system, where the ultimate decision rests in the hands of twelve individuals.

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  • 4. 

    Who wrote "brevity is the soul of wit"?

    • William Shakespeare

    • Bob Hope

    • Will Rogers

    • Mark Twain

    Correct Answer
    A. William Shakespeare
    Explanation
    "Brevity is the soul of wit" is a famous quote from Shakespeare's play Hamlet. This quote means that being concise and to the point is a sign of intelligence and cleverness. Shakespeare is known for his wit and clever wordplay in his plays, making him the most likely author of this quote.

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  • 5. 

    What writer traveled to France, Italy and Palestine gathering material for one book?

    • Steven King

    • Jules Verne

    • Clive Barker

    • Mark Twain

    Correct Answer
    A. Mark Twain
    Explanation
    Mark Twain is the correct answer because he traveled to France, Italy, and Palestine to gather material for his book "The Innocents Abroad." This travelogue, published in 1869, documented Twain's experiences and observations during his journey through Europe and the Holy Land. Through his humorous and insightful writing, Twain provided a unique perspective on the places he visited, making "The Innocents Abroad" one of his most popular works.

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  • 6. 

    What writer was once fired from a newspaper job because of a poem?

    • Stephen King

    • Mark Twain

    • Tennessee Williams

    • Walt Whitman

    Correct Answer
    A. Walt Whitman
    Explanation
    Walt Whitman was once fired from a newspaper job because of a poem. This suggests that his poem may have been controversial or offensive to the newspaper's management or readership. It also highlights the potential risks and consequences that writers may face when expressing their thoughts and ideas, even leading to the loss of employment.

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  • 7. 

    Who called guilt, "the gift that keeps on giving"?

    • Erma Bombeck

    • F. Scott Fitzgerald

    • Mark Twain

    • Ernest Hemmingway

    Correct Answer
    A. Erma Bombeck
    Explanation
    Erma Bombeck called guilt "the gift that keeps on giving." This statement suggests that she believed guilt has a lasting and persistent impact on individuals, possibly causing them to continually feel remorse or regret for their actions. The phrase "the gift that keeps on giving" implies that guilt is a burden that continues to affect a person long after the initial wrongdoing.

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  • 8. 

    Who first used the line "I'll make him an offer he can't refuse"?

    • Francis Ford Coppola

    • Harry Truman

    • Mario Puzo

    • Richard Nixon

    Correct Answer
    A. Mario Puzo
    Explanation
    Mario Puzo is the correct answer because he is the author of the novel "The Godfather" which was later adapted into a film by Francis Ford Coppola. The line "I'll make him an offer he can't refuse" is one of the most famous quotes from the movie, spoken by the character Don Vito Corleone. Therefore, Puzo is credited with creating this iconic line.

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  • 9. 

    Who said "cynicism is an unpleasant way of saying the truth"?

    • Mark Twain

    • F. Scott Fitzgerald

    • Will Rogers

    • Lillian Hellman

    Correct Answer
    A. Lillian Hellman
    Explanation
    Lillian Hellman is attributed to saying "cynicism is an unpleasant way of saying the truth." This quote suggests that cynicism, while it may be seen as negative or unpleasant, often reveals an underlying truth or reality. Hellman, an American playwright and screenwriter known for her sharp wit and social commentary, likely made this statement to highlight the sometimes harsh nature of truth-telling and the tendency for people to dismiss or reject uncomfortable truths.

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  • 10. 

    Who said "for knowledge, too, itself is power"?

    • Francis Bacon

    • Napoleon

    • Alexander The Great

    • William Shakespeare

    Correct Answer
    A. Francis Bacon
    Explanation
    Francis Bacon is attributed with the quote "for knowledge, too, itself is power". This quote emphasizes the idea that knowledge holds great power and influence. Bacon, an English philosopher and statesman, believed that knowledge is not only valuable in and of itself, but also has the ability to empower individuals and societies. His statement suggests that the acquisition and application of knowledge can lead to personal and societal advancement.

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  • 11. 

    Who said "honesty is the best policy"?

    • Ernest Hemmingway

    • Charles Dickens

    • Napoleon

    • Richard Whately

    Correct Answer
    A. Richard Whately
    Explanation
    Richard Whately is attributed with the quote "honesty is the best policy." While Ernest Hemingway, Charles Dickens, and Napoleon are all notable figures in literature and history, there is no evidence to suggest that they are the originators of this particular quote. Richard Whately, on the other hand, was an English theologian and philosopher who is commonly associated with this saying. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that Richard Whately is the most likely person to have said "honesty is the best policy."

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  • 12. 

    Who said "nothing succeeds like excess"?

    • Robert Browning

    • Ernest Hemmingway

    • Mark Twain

    • Oscar Wilde

    Correct Answer
    A. Oscar Wilde
    Explanation
    Oscar Wilde is the correct answer because he is known for his wit and flamboyant personality, which often involved indulging in excess. This quote reflects Wilde's belief that going to extremes and embracing extravagance can lead to success. Wilde himself lived a life of excess, both in his personal life and in his writing, making him the most likely candidate for saying "nothing succeeds like excess."

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  • 13. 

    Who said "the devil can cite Scripture for his purpose"?

    • Percy Shelley

    • Mark Twain

    • Ernest Hemingway

    • William Shakespeare

    Correct Answer
    A. William Shakespeare
    Explanation
    In his play "The Merchant of Venice," William Shakespeare wrote the line "The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose." This quote is spoken by Antonio, one of the main characters, who is warning his friend about the manipulative and deceptive nature of some people. The line suggests that even those who appear virtuous and knowledgeable can twist and misuse religious texts to serve their own selfish agendas. Shakespeare's statement highlights the potential for hypocrisy and the need for critical thinking when interpreting religious teachings.

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  • 14. 

    Who said "If you want to get along, go along"?

    • Sam Rayburn

    • Benedict Arnold

    • Benjamin Franklin

    • Mark Twain

    Correct Answer
    A. Sam Rayburn
    Explanation
    Sam Rayburn is the correct answer because he is the one who said the quote "If you want to get along, go along." This quote suggests that in order to maintain harmony and avoid conflicts, it is often necessary to compromise and go along with others rather than stubbornly insisting on one's own way.

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  • 15. 

    What writer started out as the astrology columnist for the "Providence Evening News"?

    • Steven King

    • Edgar Allan Poe

    • Clive Barker

    • H.P. Lovecraft

    Correct Answer
    A. H.P. Lovecraft
    Explanation
    H.P. Lovecraft started out as the astrology columnist for the "Providence Evening News".

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  • Current Version
  • Mar 22, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • May 14, 2015
    Quiz Created by
    Thames
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